State Senator Rebekah Warren Will Not Seek Congressional Seat

There will be a new Representative in the 12th Congressional District next year, but it won't be current State Senator Rebekah Warren. The Ann Arbor Democrat posted the following statement on her Facebook page:

State Senator Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) will not run for the 12th Congressional Seat now held by retiring U-S representative John Dingell

Credit David Fair / 89.1 WEMU

"I have had an amazing time over the past week exploring a run for Congress. I am humbled by how much you all believe in me. I have decided, however, not to do it, and to run instead for my second term in the Michigan Senate. My heart is in Lansing right now, and I believe I can do the most good working for Michigan, in Michigan. There’s unfinished work in the state Capitol, and I am just not ready to let it go. Thank you for your passion and your faith. Thank you for wanting to fight for a new Michigan future. Please don’t let that energy go, we’ve still got a lot of work to do! "

Last Friday, Warren announced live on 89.1 WEMU she was forming an exploratory committee to determine whether she should run for the seat held now by the legendary John Dingell. With today's announcement, Warren will resume her bid for re-election as 18th District State Senator.

At the age of 87, and after nearly 60-years in Congress, Dingell announced he would not seek re-election. His wife, Debbie Dingell announced her candidacy for the 12th District seat on February 28th. On the Republican side, Ypsilanti auto-worker Terry Bowman of Ypsilanti has declared his candidacy.

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United States Representative John Dingell (D-Dearborn) has announced he will not seek re-election this year, after serving in Congress for nearly 60-years. His wife, Debbie, last week announced she will seek the Democratic nomination to fill the 12th Congressional seat. Today, an Ypsilanti man announced he will seek to replace the 87-year old political legend, as a Republican.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A person familiar with his plans says Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, the longest-serving congressman in U.S. history, will announce his retirement later today. The 87-year-old Dingell was first elected in 1955, filling the House seat vacated by his late father. The person was not authorized to speak publicly ahead of Dingell's announcement. He became the longest-serving member of Congress last year. His plans were first reported by The Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press.